Wednesday, 7 August 2013

Effective ways to prevent arthritis

Arthritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation
of the joints. Inflammation of the joints is usually accompanied by swelling,
stiffness and pain; and resulting from trauma, infection, degenerative changes,
metabolic disturbances or other causes.

Arthritis

Over the past few years, the number of people affected by
arthritis has increased. It is one of the leading causes of disability. More
than 350 million people are affected by this medical condition worldwide. This
should act as a wake up call for individuals and health authorities all over
the world.

Women are more susceptible to this medical condition. More
than 60 percent of people who are affected by arthritis are women. Here are a
few effective ways of preventing arthritis.

Avoid smoking

Smoking increases arthritis risk

Smoking tobacco weakens the bones. Many smokers affected by
arthritis have seen an improvement after giving up the habit. Smoking is a
useless habit that has to stop. If you are not smoking, it definitely does not
make sense to start.

Watch your weight

Obesity increases arthritis risk

People who are obese and overweight are more likely to be
affected by osteoarthritis. Increase weight imposes strain on load bearing
joints like hips, knees and ankles. Fortunately reducing weight decreases the
risk of arthritis.

Stretch

Stretching enhances the range of motion of your joints. It
also improves muscle tone. However, it is important to warm up your muscles and
joints before stretching. Because, stretching before warming up can harm the
joints and muscles.

Stretching exercises prevent arthritis very effectively

Be active

According to many experts people who lead a sedentary
lifestyle are more likely to be affected by arthritis than those are active. It
is advisable to exercise at least five times a week. Exercise strengthens
bones, muscles and joints and is very effective in preventing arthritis.

Avoid excessive
consumption of alcohol

Health risks of excessive alcohol consumption are well-known.
Excessive consumption of alcohol affects vitamin absorption negatively. It has
a huge negative impact on the bone structure.

Adhere to healthy
diet

Your daily diet should contain nutrients that are required
for bones, muscles and joints. Adhere to a balanced diet. Consume foods that
are rich in vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and calcium. Diet rich in these
nutrients prevent arthritis very effectively.

It is advisable to use flax seed oil. It is regarded as a
superfood. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation
and are well-known for their healing properties. Regular use of flax seed oil
delays the onset of arthritis.

Cod liver oil slows down cartilage degeneration, thereby
preventing osteoarthritis. According to some experts, cod liver oil can reverse
the effect of degeneration. It is advisable to consume one or two tablespoons
of cod liver oil daily. This will go a long way in preventing arthritis.

Ginger

Use ginger, alfalfa seeds, cinnamon and turmeric regularly.
All these are very effective against inflammation. People in many parts of the
world have been using these to prevent and treat arthritis for centuries.

Avoid foods and
chemical additives that cause arthritis

People who are prone to arthritis should avoid nightshade
vegetables like potato. These vegetables contain a natural substance known as
solanine. This substance can produce severe pain in the joints.

Red meat increases arthritis risk

Avoid purine laden proteins. Purines break down into uric
acid, a well-known cause of gout. All proteins produce some purines. However,
some are more likely to cause arthritis. Red meat, organ meat and shellfish are
among them. It is advisable to avoid them.

Avoid wheat gluten as they are known to cause arthritis. It
is especially harmful to the human body when highly processed. In white wheat
flour, nutrients are completely stripped from the grain. It is advisable to go
for a gulten-free diet.

Woman in pain

Transfats contribute to musculoskeletal pain and are known
to aggravate arthritis. Regular intake of fat-laden proteins found in most fast
foods increases the risk of arthritis. It is advisable to go for healthy
alternatives like olives, coconuts, flax seeds and avocado.

MSG (monosodium glutamate) is a white crystalline compound
that is used as a food additive to enhance flavor. It is usually found in
Chinese cuisine. This chemical is known to create severe joint and body pain.
It is advisable to avoid using foods that contain MSG. You may go for healthy
alternatives like spices. They add flavor to the food naturally.

Artificial sweeteners cause an imbalance in insulin and
blood sugar levels by stimulating the pancreas. They are known to cause body
aches and even many types of cancer. It is advisable to avoid them. Use healthy
alternatives like stevia and raw honey.

Avoid repetitive
motions during the course of your work

Office

Workplace can increase the risk of arthritis. It is
important to reduce repetitive motions during the course of the day. They may
lead to micro trauma in surrounding joint tissue. This can cause
osteoarthritis.

Consume plenty of
water

Around 70 percent of cartilage in joints is water. Water is
an excellent lubricant and keeps the bones from rubbing against each other,
thereby protecting them. Water consumption should be natural. You need to drink
water when you are thirsty.

Water

It is advisable to ensure that you consume around eight cups
during the day. Some people tend to replace water with beverages like tea, soda
and coffee. It is not a good idea. Even though these beverages contain water,
they act as diuretic. They encourage your body to expel fluids more quickly
before they have had time to adequately hydrate your body.

Use Epsom salt bath

Epsom salts are rich in magnesium, which promotes healthy
bones. Magnesium deficiency lowers the body’s ability to utilize calcium and
phosphorous. Calcium and phosphorous are necessary for healthy bones. You may
prepare Epsom salt bath by adding 3 cups of Epsom salts into hot water. Stay in
the bath for around half an hour.

Do not ignore
injuries

It is very important to treat injuries adequately. Repetitive
injuries to the joints can cause arthritis during later years. It is advisable
to consult a physician to ensure that the injury is cured. Pain is an alarm and
should never be ignored.

By implementing the above-mentioned tips, you can protect
yourself and your loves ones from arthritis very effectively.

2 comments:

prevention is better than cure. even prevention is the best. healthy diet is the best that helps in the prevention of arthritis. One of my Uncle had arthritis because of obesity doctor said. obesity is bad, it causes a lot of diseases.one is broccoli that can be included in healthy diet to prevent arthritis.